In the “Divinity School Address” [given at Harvard Divinity School in 1838, Ralph Waldo] Emerson at times made it sound as though his understanding of Christ had transformed that figure into a type of the artist, a man … Continue reading →

I received an email from a relative last week. It was, on the surface at least, well meaning, but it could also be construed as condescending. Re your email expressing outrage with Trump and incarcerated kids, at least … Continue reading →

Re the horrendous crime of separating the children of immigrants from their parents. (And it is a crime for which there are no moral or legal reasons, no justification, and no excuses. As the Archbishop of San Antonio, … Continue reading →

I am reposting here a cantata, “Ave Maria” (1955), by the composer Alan Hovhaness (1911-2000). This short piece combines beauty with pathos. I felt this morning that the music would console me. I wanted to … Continue reading →